The Write Challenge?
I follow Suzannah’s blog, Write it Sideways, a blog about writing tips and sharpening one’s writing approach—check her out! Now she’s done it, Suzannah inspired me to take the NaNoWriMo challenge (National Novel Writing Month).
Goal
50,000 words and a great story
Time Limit
30 days (November 1 to November 30)
Award
Per the NaNoWriMo website: “All winners will get an official ‘Winner’ web badge and a PDF Winner’s Certificate. The real prize in NaNoWriMo is the manuscript itself, and the exhilarating feeling of setting an ambitious creative goal and nailing it.”
Read the FAQs.
My Strategy
Writing 1,666 words/day and with occasional blog posts about my progress.
Wait—scratch that.
I know I’ll be leaving to visit family the last week of November, so make that 2,174 words/day. Eep!
Why am I doing this?
I want to torture myself. Well, not really. It is not torture or I wouldn’t be doing it.
I’m taking the challenge because I think I need to take my writing in a different direction.
I need to start taking risks.
I need to stop over-thinking!
To be honest, maybe growing up as a type-A overachiever has crippled me in certain aspects—particularly, my writing. I’m too worked up about not being good enough, or my writing not being the most awesome writing in the world, or about my stories not being perfection. I’m stopping my brain chatter once and for all!
I am fully aware that what I write may be complete and utter garbage, but it will be a start. I think a deadline will help. Plus, I’m upping the ante by telling all of you. Yiikes!
Do you have any advice while I prep for “go” day? Other than a loose outline, it is against the rules to write in advance. How would you approach this? Am I crazy? Help!
Stay tuned to watch me sweat. T minus 19 days to the start line!
Create Your Day!
Once upon a time, Nadia shared this great idea about always stopping in the middle of a sentence or idea. That way, you never have to worry about writer’s block, because you always pick up right where you left off.
Other than that, the best advice I can give is just to relax and enjoy it. Your writing is already great, so no need to worry about that. Just write from the heart, write what you know, and write whenever and wherever you can.
I’m looking forward to seeing the end result! You rock, Lori!!!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Memories Best Left Forgotten
Hey Jay, I love that idea from Nadia. You’re like a life conduit – connecting people and transferring knowledge.
I actually think I’m going to enjoy this, thanks for the tip. And, thanks for saying my writing is great. Like a lot of folks out there, I’m fighting demons of writing past – teachers who knew nothing other than a BIG RED PEN! It’s time to bid them a polite goodbye.
Hahaha Lori, just the very questions you are raising make me laugh. You are already over thinking this challenge. Stop thinking and jump in boots and all. Who cares about the best strategy to do this, you went in for the mindless ranting and raving didn’t you????
So go and rant and rave to your heart’s content, we promise we will read everything you dare to publish with a straight face, how is that for a promise and encouragement?
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..What happens when instead of an old fashioned partner I become a sponsor.
Hi Wilma,
You’re too funny, and I hate to admit it, but sooo right! (Typical with you…*sigh*) (ha)
I tend to waayyyy over think things. I’ve put my boots on and am jumping in, all in, for once. And, yeah, I think that’s it! I have a lot of ranting and raving to get off my chest from recent events this year. You got me! ha
Wow, you promise to read it? Than I have no more excuses, like a manuscript that will never be read. I’m up for the challenge, Wilma! Thanks for your support.
Fantastic, Lori! I know you can do it. Your goal of 2000+ words per day is totally achievable, even if it seems like a lot. Yesterday I wrote over 2000 words in about an hour and a half. You could even do a 2-3 shorter sessions throughout the day.
Can’t wait to see how you make out.
Hey, it’s that Wascaly Wabbit, Suzannah! (ha)
You have such an awesome blog. I’ve learned a lot from you since I found you a few months ago. You’ve taught (or corrected) things I thought I knew (how embarrassing!) and in the process made my writing much smarter. Yay!
Thanks for the vote of confidence! This, too, shall pass and I will conquer this. That’s a great idea to break it into 2-3 sessions, too. I like it!
I’ll let you know what happens, or maybe I should say that I’ll send you a complimentary copy of my book on Dec 1.
You go girl!! I’ll be cheering you on. I had a friend who did this and she loved it. I know that you can do it. Have fun!!!
Jill´s last blog ..What I’m grateful for today
Jill, that’s awesome a friend of your tried this and had good results. That gives me hope! Thank you! (More than you know!)
Thanks for your support, that means more than you know, too.
Enjoy your day!
Yay!!!!! I’m so glad to hear you’re doing this! That is so awesome!!
Please, if you’re able to finish without feeling somewhat tortured, let me know how! I can’t wait to get updates, I hope you get time to write them!
Miche´s last blog ..How to Get From Boredom to Intuition
Hi Miche,
Well, this is a true experiment that’s for sure. Have I included the proper controls (my science brain asks)?
Nope!
I’m just going for it! I will try my best to post updates. But, I have a feeling I might not get my holiday shopping done in November like I had planned. But, then again, I’ve never been able to accomplish that. (ha)
Thanks for your vote of support!
Analysis paralysis. I totally FEEL YOU on this.
Good luck!
Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..How to Sabotage Your Income
Hi Hayden,
I knew you’d relate – in the time I’ve been following your blog (which rocks, might I add) I can tell how passionate you are about what you write.
Don’t let the paralysis stop you, girl! Email me and I’ll bust you out of it.
Cheers!
Here’s my advice… If you’ve done the math and decided you have x number of days, so you need x number of words, dump all that in the trash because some days (maybe MANY days) words won’t come at all. Some days we don’t feel so good, or our Muse is under the weather.
Instead, when you have a divinely inspired day, go with the flow. Don’t even stop to eat or pee (OK, maybe one break for each). Keep water or tea near you all day and Just Keep Writing… go, go, go…
If you get to 2000 words, and you are still inspired, keep going. If you get to 10,000 words and you’re still feeling it, keep going. If you haven’t slept in three days, and the Muse still sings to you, keep going, dammit. (Warn Scott ahead of time, so he doesn’t think you’ve lost your mind.)
Then, when you have a day or two that don’t produce any words, for whatever reason, you won’t have to get down on yourself about getting behind or missing the deadline. This Muse of ours, she’s not always so good with schedules. She’s a go with the flow kind of gal. Plus, she can be moody and temperamental, so make room for her to be herself in this plan of yours.
I can’t wait to read whatever comes out!
Lisis´s last blog ..Adventure: The Lake Champlain Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Lisis,
You are a voice of reason as well as the voice of nurturing your inner muse. I love it!
Since I have the challenge of ‘a health situation’ to deal with on top of the tight deadline, I had actually thought about what you said here, too. And believe it or not, we’re on the same page! When I have a good day, I’m going to write my arse off! When it’s not a great day – well, I’ll hold out for the good to come back.
Hell, maybe I’ll just write the whole damn thing in a few sittings? ha
That’d be funny, actually – if I had been planning to write this for a decade, and then ended up finishing it in one week.
Now, I’m cracking myself up…
But, really, I appreciate what you said here today, which makes me feel better about how things will probably flesh out.
You’re a peach – thank you, Lisis!
Lori:
Wow, great idea! I don’t really have any major advice other than to “just do it.” I think that simple act will help you become an even better writer that you already are. I really admire you for doing this. As much as I love to write, fiction writing is tough for me. I’m flashing back to a serious case of writer’s block that I had in college. I’m interested to read about this next journey of yours. Good luck!!
Tim´s last blog ..Weekend Video Diversion: Improv Everywhere
Hi Tim,
You always say the coolest things. Are you sure you’re real? That’s it!! Just do it! No more weighing things, thinking things through, bla, bla, bla, time’s-a-wasting!! You would think I know that by now as much as I banter about it! ha
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit spooked about what will happen if I can’t finish it, with ALL YOU WATCHING, but all I can do is give it my best shot. And you have a great point, maybe I’ll come out a better writer either way?
You rock! Thanks for taking the time to visit and comment, Tim. Cheers!
Now that’s a big, hairy, audacious goal Chicka! LOVE IT! You can totally do it.
I’m with Lisis, once you’re in the flow, just keep writing until no more words come. To help stay in the flow, don’t re-read what you’ve just written and save the editing until later. You’ll do a better edit job if you let some time pass after you’ve written it anyway.
Go for it!
Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..Blogging for a Cure
On-Her-Way-to-Hawaii Sami,
How can you concentrate on the verge of your holiday?!? Thanks for taking the time to come on over to JBN, Sami.
I knew you’d be all over this kick-arse idea. You’re such a go getter! Thanks for your vote of support! Thank you!
That is an excellent point, and something I do WAY TOO MUCH is the whole re-reading thing. Good point! I can save the editing for later – especially since the whole goal of this thing is to get a draft, not so much a finished product.
Thanks, Sami. I appreciate your advice! Have a great day.
Hey Everyone!
My internet service has been out since early AM – we’re getting a golly-whomper of a storm here (with power outages, too)! Accept my apologies for my delayed responses to all you lovely people.
As I go back to respond to everyone, know that my internet is spotty; hopefully I can get back to you all before it goes out again.
You all have totally made my day! Thanks for your support. Talk about warm fuzzies!
~xo
Just do it and don’t forget to learn along the way. Focus on your goals and not on distractions.
Great advice, Walter!
The more I’ve been mulling this around, the more I’m realizing that the point of this exercise should be to loosen up and learn. It’s all about the journey, right?
Awesome!
My buddy Ian http://northandclark.net/2009/08/ian-randalls-august-24-2004/ is doing the same challenge. If you can complete this challenge you deserve one heck of a web badge.
Casey Brazeal (North and Clark)´s last blog ..World’s Strongest Librarian (Part 1 of 2)
Hey Casey, how are you?
I watched your video of Ian, what a funky guy! He’s got the chops, man!
Good for him! I hope he learns a lot from this experiment and also creates an awesome first draft for a killer novel. Thanks for passing this info to me. Tell Ian that I’m behind him 100% and give him a high five from me! Actually, maybe you should give him my email address so we can work off each other’s energy.
I could use a partner in literary crime…
Have a great day, Casey, and thanks for the link!
Hi Lori,
Good for you for taking the challenge. How awesome.
The piece of advice that Jay quoted from me is really from Hemingway and in the last couple of months I have kind of expanded on the theory. There is no need for a person to have writer’s block if they fully embody their work. If what you are writing is a part of your consciousness or subconscious, then it is always being worked on at some level. The Muse, as Lisis called it, can be available whenever you want it to be if you nurture it.
So my advice to us is to constantly in one way or another have your creative endeavor somewhere in your mind. Because even if you do not consciously work on it, you are working on it subsconsciously. I hope that makes sense and if not, I am happy to clarify.
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..Are You An Angry Talk Show Or A Romantic Comedy?
Hi Nadia,
I understand what you’re getting at, but hadn’t thought of it that way before.
I like it!
I haven’t started writing yet, because that’s against the rules, but I have started fleshing out the plot points and general story in my mind. So, I think what you’re saying about this creative endeavor being constantly bouncing in my mind clarifies things. Plus, I just can’t help it – to be thinking about it!
As of a few days ago, my muse is now getting wined and dined at every opportunity! (ha) No, seriously, I think one of the main benefits of this exercise is for us to start trusting instincts and to nurture our creative side, our muse.
Awesome comment, Nadia. Thanks for taking the time to explain your thoughts. I love them.
Glad to see you’ve discovered NaNoWriMo! I’ve been an innocent bystander for years now — it’s been popular in online journaling circles, but I’ve never participated. I think you’ll do just fine, and I agree with the advice to go with the flow and not force it on any given day. That said, I know you’re a rockstar under deadline, so I know you’ll end up with an awesome manuscript! The only other question I have is… what will you do with it? : ) (HINT: Publish!)
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Costa Rica is Paradise (And Why I Don’t Live There)
Hi Ali-Bee!
Innocent bystander??? Get on the horse, baby cakes! You have so many awesome stories to tell and you are a star-studded writer! Let’s go!
Oh my (!), just thinking of the deadline days makes me shiver and sweat! But, you have a great point, chicka. I think I should probably acknowledge that I have a slight procrastination problem when it comes to writing, but when there’s a deadline, gawd-dammit, I deliver!
(Even on Christmas Holiday!) (ha)
And, yeah, I get it. I need to take it to the next level after the Nov 30 deadline hits. That will involve sending it to YOU for a friendly critique. Thanks for the vote of confidence, sweet Ali-Bee. You rock! (And yeah, I rule…)
